My friend, Pastor Tim Strickland (Waverly Road Baptist Church) had a facebook link to this article by John Blake of CNN. It is indeed a compelling read!
I found Andy Stanley's suggestion to his father to be so wise and gracious, even though as the article says, his father didn't hear it as such:
"Dad, you never asked me what I think you should do," Andy said.
His father smiled and asked him what he thought.
Walk into church the next Sunday morning and read a letter of resignation, Andy said.
Tell them that you want to continue as their pastor, and will preach as long as they want.
"Daddy, your church is not going to leave you," Andy said. "They need the opportunity to
choose to have you as pastor if you divorce. If you do this, it all ends. Let them choose."
Andy says his father didn't hear anything after the word "resign." All the rumors seemed to
be true. His son had joined the church faction trying to get rid of him.
His son had betrayed him.
Theologically, I don't agree with Andy's answer. But what a gracious way to help a bitter war stop and to honour your father.
That's just one of the many reflections on this article.
I can't wait to read Andy Stanley's forthcoming book Deep and Wide.
Your thoughts on this father-son story?
1 comment:
I read the full article this morning. The excerpt here was part of their parting of ways some time ago, I think. It sounds like both of them became determined to forge a relationship again, however, and they put the grim work required to do so in: counselling, uncomfortable meetings over Mexican food, arguments in the driveway, etc. What a testimony that both of them now have thriving ministries and are reconciled to the point of sharing Communion together! Lovely that the son honoured the father at his 80th birthday recently. I too am looking forward to reading the book.
Post a Comment